We work diligently to provide our residents with a multitude of interesting and meaningful activities and our Romeo Club is a perfect example. An acronym for Retired Old Men Eating Out, Romeo Club's have been popping up all over the country. Our gentleman have been meeting once a month for over a year, averaging around twelve members. There are no rules, no dues and no age requirements. The key to the success is that it provides plenty of social interaction and camaraderie. Sometimes the group visits a local eatery and other times they enjoy snacks and refreshments here. Conversation topics range from reminiscing, war stories and history discussions to corny jokes. Longtime member, Mr Bali, always looks forward to meeting with his male neighbors and friends and is especially enthusiastic about his neer beer!

Since the month of February is Black History Month, our community celebrated with food. Our dietary staff prepared an amazing meal of traditional soul food for staff and residents. We devoured sweet potato pie, fried chicken, mac and cheese along with refreshing lemonade, and exercised our brains with black history trivia.

It's maple sugaring time, so it was only appropriate that we set out on an outing to Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve for their maple sugar celebration. With the trees awakening for spring, we got to watch a demonstration of traditional maple sugar making. The best part was sampling the results over ice cream. Mrs. Ellanor, along with the rest of us, couldn't get enough. Our trip was as delicious as it was informative!

Once a month we celebrate certain members of our staff. February's theme was "Handshakes and Milkshakes", and staff member, MarQuitta, was one of our nominees this month. She works as a Housekeeper in our long term care department and is known for always being friendly, helpful and outgoing. Staff as well as residents value her work ethics. MarQuitta couldn't decide on any single milkshake flavor so she decided to enjoy them all as a combo— chocolate, vanilla and strawberry!

If you've been reading any of our blogs, you've certainly heard how much we enjoy musical entertainment by Stacy "Duke" Todd. So of course, everyone was very excited to find out that he'd be performing for our recent Valentine's Day Party. Stacy's musical career has been entwined with the Van-Dells since 1974, and his show takes fans back to popular 50's and 60's high energy songs. Way to go Stacy! We're looking forward to seeing you again very soon.

As soon as we round the corner into February, the Super Bowl is always on our residents' radar. So naturally the Rams and Patriots were the big topic of the week around the community. Everyone was eagerly anticipating our Sunday afternoon tailgate party. It was a terrific afternoon with plenty of snacks as we enjoyed the game and commercials while playing our favorite game—Card Bingo. Of course a little friendly betting was in order too. Ida, with her cup raised, was dead sure Tom Brady would lead the Patriots to victory again!

Transitioning to a new environment can be difficult no matter our age. The secret is making the effort to connect with others. Eileen & Marlene did just that and have learned to lean on each through their adjustments. It's allowed their connection to bud and blossom. These two have become terrific chums and now even schedule therapy together. It's our hope that our seniors make an effort to join scheduled activities and utilize our group dining setting to discover they share common life stories and interests.

It's always a joyous occasion for our close-knit community when we get to join forces with resident families to recognize milestones in the live's of our residents. Bridgette's recent 70th birthday was no exception. It was a great celebration with family and friends that was topped off with a sensational cake from Costco. You can bet it'll be on the menu for her party next year!

We had a wonderful turnout for an afternoon with one of our favorite performers— Rich Monroe. His talent is exceptional, but it's his warm heart and the personal attention he gives to residents that endears us to him. Oldes from Elvis, Sammy Davis Jr. and Johnny Cash were topped off with refreshing root beer floats.

Patty Martin is new to our facility and residents enjoyed her lovely voice recently as she performed some familiar favorites. We kicked back with cookies and warm tea for a snuggly afternoon. Everyone is looking forward to her return soon.